The idea ofDC’sElseworldwas born with Brian Augustyn’sGotham By Gaslight, a haunting period piece whereby Batman takes on Jack The Ripper (of which the adult animation is available onHBO Max.) So, what is the Elseworld? This phrase encapsulates anything directly inspired byDCcontent, but does not canonically fit within the DCEU (and, by default, James Gunn’s all-newDCU, either.)
Similarly, Matt Reeves’The Batman(2022) is also classified as a stand-alone piece, joining Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark KnightTrilogyand several others in the DC grey area. However, to provide a more comprehensive coverage of Elseworld material, not all focus is going to be funneled towardsBatman. This gives the DC cinematic “underdogs” a chance to shine.
8The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is an eloquent example of “don’t judge a book by its cover” because, at first glance, Sean Connery gives off some strongIndiana Jonesvibes. However, fans of the occult will be quite comfortable here, as this film is lessRaiders of the Lost Arkand moreABC’sOnce Upon A Time(but on steroids!)
Each member of this select group of superheroes is based on fan-favorite fictional characters, drawing inspiration from great icons like Dracula, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Dorian Gray, and the like. The narrative takes a more silly than serious approach to storytelling. This might not bode well for some fans, but other viewers enjoy the premise with a pinch of salt.
7Constantine (2005)
The legendary anti-hero with a death wish is perfectly suited for arguably the most dangerous job in the world. This exorcist takes no prisoners and has become immune to most intimidation techniques used by the demonic tricksters he hunts. He was not, however, prepared for the incredible impact that the Dodson sisters would have on his life (and impending death). This supernatural detective’s dance with the devil has become a celebrated cult classic and is incomparable toNBC’stelevision series.
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Although everyone and their mother is thrilled thatKeanu Reeveswill be returning to fill Constantine’s large shoes, the esteemed actor has expressed his doubts about the sequel, stating thatDC Studiosis “reevaluating” the idea. However,Warner Broshas made no mention ofcanceling or recastingConstantine 2, so fans can remain hopeful for now.
6V for Vendetta (2006)
As Evey Hammond learns the hard way, it is quite easy to be swallowed by the system without even realizing it. Simply complying with illogical authoritarian rules is enough to keep the cogs of tyranny turning. Fortunately, she finds enlightenment is the most unlikely place. A harrowing kidnapping situation becomes a breath of fresh air, freeing Evey from the oppressive brainwashing that society loves to force-feed its sheeple.
V for Vendettais arguably one ofthe most influential filmsof its time, as the inspiration behind the potentAnonymous hacking networkthat is still active to this day (and have officially declared war on Putin’s Russia.) The cyber activists even resemble their “mentor,” V, and have made Alan Moore’s idealistic concept a reality.
5Stardust (2007)
One of the best fantasy romantic comedies in existence takes worldbuilding to another level, as to beexpected of the amazing Neil Gaiman(on whose novel the film is based). The young and inquisitive Tristan Thorn hasn’t had much luck with the ladies, but believes his fate has finally changed when he happens upon a fallen star. It is not, however, a sparkling fragment of rock, but an exquisite, and rather stubborn, young lady.
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Meanwhile, beyond the village of Wall, political turmoil rums rampant, as the royal family comedically kill each other off in an attempt to usurp the throne, while the witches have plans of their own. The dazzling Captain Shakespeare is put on the spot and is forced to choose sides, all the while Tristan is simply trying to return home, with his prized possession in tow.
4The Losers (2010)
When a group of highly skilled U.S. soldiers is unceremoniously booted onto the fugitive list, best believe they won’t go quietly and are willing to fight tooth and nail to seek justice. Good thing they’re used to coloring outside the lines, and have no qualms with taking the traitorous Max down for good. Basically,The Losersis what it would look like ifthe A-Teamgot serious about playing dirty.
This star-studded cast delivers all the action and laughs that viewers could hope for, with top-notchtalents such as Zoe Saldana,Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Idris Elba, and Chris Evans at the wheel. Provoking the CIA has never looked so good, nor has payback seemed so seductive.
3The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
TheLEGOmovie franchise has delighted adults and children across the world with its witty content and eye-catching imagery, regularly featuring a hilarious version ofBatman. This playful adaptation encapsulates Bruce Wayne’s iconic brooding aura to a tee, to the point where he emanates a tantrum-throwing angsty teen who is used to getting his way. The charming narrative is speckled with adult-orientated Easter eggs, ensuring the whole family is entertained.
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The black-and-yellow Dark Knight features inover eleven LEGO films, not to mention several video games, but sadly won’t be returning to the big screens with the anticipatedLEGO Batman 2(by Dan Harmon and Michael Waldron), as the toy company has cut ties withWarner Bros.
2The Joker (2019)
While there have been a handful of failed attempts to capture the essence of the Joker as eloquently as the late Heath Ledger did, nobody has come quite as close as Joaquin Phoenix. In this masterful rendition of an iconic villain, Arthur Fleck is humanized unlike ever before, emphasizing his struggles with mental health over sensationalizing his violent outbreaks.The Jokercomes with a trigger warning, particularly concerning viewers struggling with self-harm.
The Oscar, BAFTA (and more) Award-winningJokeris due to return withFolie a Deux, a term which is yet another reference to mental illness. This highly anticipated sequel featuresthe fan-favorite Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and Robert De Niro and is set to hit the screens on 19 June 2025.
1DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
The cutest characters in the Elseworld lineup are brought to life by yet another memorable team-up by Hollywood’s besties, Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson. Krypto the Super-Dog has been happily living his best life, but recently he keeps getting sidelined by Lois Lane.
As to be expected, Krypto’s plan to rectify the situation backfires completely, and he is inadvertently forced to team up with a bunch of strays to rescue his beloved human. As fate would have it, he isno longer the only Super-Pet around,after these critters are conveniently bestowed with theJustice League’spowers.
